SPECIFICATIONS
When we talk about the “composition of the fabric” in the context of technical fabrics, we are referring to the specific materials that make it up and the proportions in which they are present. At Sauleda we produce 100% mass-dyed acrylic fabrics, as well as PVC-coated polyester fabrics, among others.
Tensile strength in the context of technical fabrics refers to the ability of the fabric to resist the application of forces that tend to stretch or elongate it. It is a measure of the force required to break or deform tissue when it is subjected to stress in a specific direction.
When evaluating the tensile strength of a technical fabric, forces are applied in opposite directions along a sample of the fabric, and the force required to stretch it until it breaks or deforms significantly is measured. This measure is important in many fields, such as the textile industry, civil engineering, and the manufacture of products that require strong and durable materials.
Tear strength in the context of technical fabrics refers to the ability of the fabric to resist the spread of a tear once it has started. It is a measure of the tissue’s ability to resist rupture when subjected to tearing forces in a specific direction.
When evaluating the tear strength of a technical fabric, a force is applied in a specific direction to initiate a tear in the fabric, and then the force needed to continue or propagate the tear through the material is measured. This measurement is crucial for determining the strength and durability of the fabric in applications where it may be subject to tearing forces, such as tent tarps.
Tear strength can depend on several factors, including the materials used in the fabric, the structure of the fabric, the thickness of the material, and the finishing treatments applied. High tear strength is important to ensure the integrity and longevity of the fabric in various applications.
When we refer to the “width of the fabric” in the context of technical fabrics, we are talking about the horizontal measurement of the fabric when it is in its flat and extended form. In other words, it’s the side-by-side measurement of the tissue.
The width of the fabric is an important feature to consider in the manufacture and design of textile products, as it directly affects the amount of fabric needed for a specific application and can therefore influence the cost and efficiency of the manufacturing process. For example, when designing awnings, tarps, or any other product that requires a fabric of specific dimensions, it is crucial to consider the width of the fabric to determine how much fabric will be needed and how the material can be used to the fullest.
Technical fabrics can be available in a variety of widths, which can vary depending on the type of fabric. It is common for technical fabrics to have standard widths, but it is also possible for them to be produced in custom widths depending on customer needs or manufacturing constraints.
When we talk about “fabric weight” in the context of technical fabrics, we are referring to the amount of material per unit area in a piece of fabric. This weight is commonly expressed in units of mass per unit area, such as grams per square meter (g/m²).
Fabric weight is an important measurement as it is related to various characteristics and properties of the material, such as density, strength, durability, and opacity. For example, a heavier fabric may offer higher tear resistance and greater durability compared to a lighter fabric. In addition, the weight of the fabric can influence its ability to provide thermal insulation, water absorption, or its handling and handling during manufacture and use.
In the case of technical fabrics, the weight of the fabric can vary widely depending on its specific application and the performance requirements of the final product. For example, awning fabrics may have lighter weights for easier handling and assembly, while truck tarpaulin fabrics may have heavier weights to provide greater strength and durability.
When we refer to “fabric coating” in the context of technical fabrics, we are talking about an additional layer applied on the surface of the base fabric to provide it with additional specific properties.
Fabric coatings can serve a variety of purposes and can offer a wide range of features and benefits. Some examples of common coatings include: waterproof, flame retardant, UV, non-stick, antimicrobial coating, among others.
When we talk about “fabric finishing” in the context of technical fabrics, we are referring to the additional processes that are applied to the fabric after it has been manufactured to improve its final properties and characteristics. These processes can include a variety of chemical, mechanical, or thermal treatments that modify the appearance, texture, strength, and other characteristics of the fabric.
When we refer to “fabric thickness” in the context of technical fabrics, we are talking about the measurement of the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of a piece of fabric. In other words, the thickness of the fabric represents how thick the fabric is in its normal state.
The thickness of the fabric is important because it can influence several characteristics and properties of the material, such as strength, flexibility, thermal insulation capacity, and ease of handling and sewing. For example, in applications where effective thermal insulation is required, such as in cold-weather clothing or building insulation material, a thicker fabric can provide a greater barrier against the cold.
In addition, in applications where flexibility and lightness are needed, such as in sportswear or materials for aerospace applications, a thinner fabric may be preferable to allow freedom of movement and reduce the overall weight of the product.
In summary, fabric thickness is an important measurement that can significantly affect fabric performance and functionality in a variety of applications, and it is important to consider when selecting materials for specific projects.
When a fabric is described as “flame retardant” in the context of technical fabrics, it means that it has the ability to resist ignition and the spread of fire. In other words, a flame retardant fabric is less prone to burning and has properties that make it fire-resistant.
Flame retardant technical fabrics are designed and treated to meet specific fire resistance standards. At Sauleda we manufacture fabrics with T1 and T2 certifications.
The “length of a piece of fabric” refers to the dimension of the fabric measured in the longitudinal direction, i.e., along the length of the fabric roll. In other words, it is the measurement of the fabric from one end to the other, along the direction in which the fabric is unrolled.
The length of a piece of fabric is an important measurement in the textile industry and can vary depending on the manufacturing needs and specifications of a particular product.
In the case of technical fabrics, the length of the fabric piece can be particularly important to ensure that the required area can be covered in a specific application. For example, when purchasing tarpaulins to cover structures, awnings for decks, or fabrics for boat sails, the length of the piece of fabric will determine the amount of material available for the desired covering.
When we talk about “fabric adhesion” in the context of technical fabrics, we are referring to the ability of the fabric to hold together or adhere to other surfaces when certain forces or conditions are applied. Fabric adhesion can be important in various applications where the fabric needs to be held in place or adhere to other surfaces safely and effectively.
When we talk about “temperature resistance” in the context of technical fabrics, we are referring to the ability of the fabric to maintain its physical, chemical, and structural properties when exposed to different temperature levels.
Temperature resistance is an important characteristic in many types of technical fabrics, especially those intended for applications where extreme or fluctuating temperatures may be encountered.
The temperature resistance of a technical fabric can depend on several factors, such as the type of fiber used in its manufacture, the structure of the fabric, the finishing treatments applied, and the design of the final product. It is important to consider temperature resistance when selecting a technical fabric for a specific application, ensuring that it can withstand the thermal conditions it will be exposed to without premature degradation.
When we talk about “lightfastness” in the context of technical fabrics, we are referring to the ability of the fabric to retain its color and resist fading when exposed to sunlight or artificial light sources for an extended period of time.
Lightfastness is an important characteristic in fabrics, especially those used in outdoor applications or exposed to direct sunlight. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and other light sources can cause degradation of color pigments in fabrics, resulting in color loss and discoloration of the fabric over time.
Technical fabrics with a high lightfastness are designed to resist fading and maintain their original color for an extended period of time, even when exposed to intense light conditions. This is especially important in applications where the aesthetic appearance of the fabric is important, such as awnings, outdoor tarpaulins, garden furniture and sportswear.
When we talk about “water column” in the context of technical fabrics, we are referring to a standard measurement used to evaluate the water resistance of a fabric. The water column refers to the height of a water column that can be supported by the fabric before water begins to seep through it.
The water resistance of a fabric is usually expressed in millimeters (mm), which represents the height of the water column that the fabric can withstand before filtration occurs. For example, a fabric with a water resistance of 10,000mm means it can withstand a 10-meter-high column of water before it starts to seep through it.
The water column is an important measure of a fabric’s ability to repel water and provide protection from rain and moisture. It is especially relevant in applications such as outerwear, tents, awning tarpaulins and weather protection material. The higher the water resistance of the fabric, the better its ability to stay dry and protected in rainy and wet conditions.
